Hi everyone! Thanks for the support on this story, I took a little vacation but now unlike Emmett, I'm back! Enjoy!
Chapter 4
B POV
It'd been a week now since the breakup. Kate, Garett, Alice, and even Jasper came to help me move my stuff. I felt a little bad having Jasper come but he just shrugged and said, "no bad blood here darlin', you didn't do anythin' wrong" and left it at that.
I'd settled into a routine, getting up a little earlier now that I was an extra ten-minute drive away from work. I'd get home around five depending on traffic and start on dinner for the three of us. Kate and Garrett insisted I let them fend for themselves, but I couldn't help but to show my appreciation for their generosity. After dinner, I'd do some apartment hunting, sometime with Kate and Garrett, until I'd give up and go to bed. I wanted my new place to be uniquely me. I knew the general neighborhood I wanted to live in, just needed to find the perfect place.
I hadn't seen Edward since the breakup, I'd heard he'd gone to help Emmett set up the New York office for a while, and had even hinted at staying to run things, which according to Garrett was a hard pass. He had yet to prove himself to his older brother and to Garrett that he could properly manage hi current position, let alone one with virtually no one over-seeing his work.
It was Saturday night, Kate and Garrett had gone up for the night to see Kate's parents for their fiftieth wedding anniversary, which left me soaking in their deep, claw footed bathtub, feeling my muscles relax under a sea of bubbles. My fingers were just starting to prune, and the extra-large glass of red wine I'd poured myself was now down to it's last meager sip.
My phone chirped by the sink and I reached out at it before scoffing at myself. As if my short ass arms could reach that. Taking it as a sign to get out, I down the last of my wine, pulled the plug, and snatched one of the big fluffy towels off the hook nearby.
I grabbed my phone and padded back to my room, toweling off before throwing on some pjs, grabbing a book and settling under the thick duvet. I unlocked my screen to see a text from Emmett. Instantly, my breath caught in my throat and my heart beat a little quicker as I moved to open the message.
Hey
I chewed my lip, pondering a good response. Maybe it was the wine going to my head, but before I could second guess myself, I typed up and sent a cheeky reply.
I can't believe I dragged myself out of the bathtub for a 'hey'
I giggled to myself, flopping back against the pillows, waiting to hear my phone signify his response. But instead of the telltale chirp, I heard a ringing instead. I hesitated, glancing at the screen before taking a breath and accepting the call.
"Hello?" I answered tentatively, unsure of his reason for calling rather than texting.
"Bella" his voice came out rough and sent a tingle of excitement through my body, clearly able to hear the effect the visual I'd given him had had.
"Emmett" I started, "is there anything you'd like to discuss? It is pretty late; can it wait until tomorrow?"
"If you want me to be a gentleman, you can't send me stuff like that. I'm trying to give you time—time and space to sort things out without adding any other outside factors to the equation."
I took a moment to think about what he was saying, my wine muddled brain clearing slightly. So Emmett wanted me, but he also wanted me to be sure and to prioritize my own needs before even considering his own. Well that won't do. Fortunately for him, he was one of my needs, and I'd already spent way too long trying to stamp out any feelings for him to put whatever this was on the back burner.
"Emmett," I said, suddenly feeling breathless, "I don't want you to be a gentleman, I just want you." I finished, biting my lip again, trying to picture his reaction to my admission.
I heard a low groan, "jesus, baby, you have no idea how much I want you. I think about you every day, from your beautiful smile to those luscious hips, and God what I'd do to have those toned legs wrapped around me right now."
The visual practically had me panting, "Em, when do you come back? Please say it's soon?" I didn't know if I'd be able to wait very long to climb this man in the way I've always fantasized doing.
At his answering sigh, I felt my body deflate this can't be good. "I won't be back for about four months sweetheart, I have to set up the New York office, do all the hiring, and secure enough local clients to get the ball rolling before I can come back." I could hear the longing in his voice, echoing my own feelings.
"Four months?" I practically whimpered at what seemed like an eternity from now.
"Just think of it this way, you have four months to set yourself up with new digs, get a new routine down, focus on yourself, and relax. Because once those four months are up? You're mine." He practically growled the last part, making me melt into my bed thinking about hearing him whispering dirty things to me in that tone, in my bed, with little to no clothes on. Stop it, Bella, get it together!
"Yours? What makes you so sure I won't find someone before the four months are up?" I quipped, curious to see just how serious he was about his feelings toward me.
I heard his gravelly laugh before he answered, "go for it, Isabella, try to find someone else. But I've waited years to have you, so don't think some random chump is going to get in my way."
I bit my lip when he said my full name, coming from his mouth sounding like that, I don't think I'll ever see it the same way. It seemed Emmett Cullen had the power of making even a fresh bar of soap somehow dirty.
His challenge did however make me feel a little defiant, causing me to huff back down the line before saying, "you're on."
"Hmmm, goodnight Bella, try not to think about our morning encounter last weekend, and good luck with the apartment hunt. I'm just a text or phone call away if you ever need anything." I heard his tell-tale chuckle before he hung up, leaving me flustered once again.
After a little tossing and turning I fell asleep to dreams of strong arms and dazzling ocean blue eyes.
Waking up, I had a renewed determination to find myself a new place to call home, so I made some coffee and settled down at the kitchen table, slipping on some blue light glasses and scrolling through postings. I'd been sending some to Kate and Garrett but I didn't want to bother them about it while they were away…I'd have to wait until they came home tonight and bombard them.
By mid-afternoon I'd narrowed down my choices to three different places, all within my budget and a good distance from my workplace and, well, Kate and Garrett. Since my parents both lived in other parts of the country, and I wasn't that close with many of my coworkers, it was important that I had someone nearby that I could depend on in a crisis.
On a whim, I decided to wheel out the Pros and Cons board again, because this felt like a big enough deal to call for the big guns. I set up some snack on a tray to help keep Garrett's attention and was just pouring some wine for Kate and I when I heard keys in the door.
"Honeyyyy we're ho-ome!" Kate sang out as if they'd been gone for months rather than one night.
"Wait second" Garrett started as he entered the room looking around, "snacks, wine, Pro and Con board…Bells what decision are we making tonight?" he asked, eyes fixated on the snack tray even though I knew Kate's family would have sent them home with tons of food to eat.
"I've narrowed down my apartment picks and I want you guys to help me make the final decision. I've sent an email to all of their representatives asking to see the units just in case we picked one I didn't email. So, get settled and come help me choose a new casa di Bella." I said, grinning at them and gesturing towards the couch.
As expected, Garrett gravitated towards the snack and Kate clinked her wine glass with mine, taking a sip with a little sigh before giving me the go-ahead nod.
"Okay, so, contestant number one we have…"
I spent the next hour and half going over the apartments, we'd filled up pro and con sections for each one, things like square footage, balcony, laundry, and kitchen. In the end we finally settled on a unit about a fifteen minute drive from work and a ten minute drive from Kate and Garrett's. It had a balcony, spacious kitchen, guestroom, bathtub, and washer and dryer. The only thing I was giving up was AC but that would be easily fixed by installing one in the spring.
The next few days were a flurry of action, I got an email back confirming that I could come see the unit, which I saw Tuesday and then immediately signed for when I snuck a peek at the agent's list of showings on their logbook.
I called Alice up on Wednesday who immediately demanded pictures so she could get started on styling my new place. Honestly between work, organizing my things, and moving, her love for shopping was much appreciated. I had a lot saved so my budget was reasonable, and I felt less anxious in handing my credit card over to her for her shopping needs.
By Saturday, everything Alice had ordered was set to be delivered and the moving company I'd hired had taken all my stuff from storage at Kate and Garrett's and dropped it off. I was told to not, under any circumstances, go to my apartment until given the go ahead by the pixie herself. Kate was helping her, so I knew she wouldn't be able to do anything too extravagant for which I was grateful.
Feeling bored, I decided to text Emmett as I waited.
How was your week?
I sighed, leaning my head back and wondering for the millionth time this week whether or not it was too wrong to thinking let alone acting on these feelings for my exe's brother. Before I could ponder them long my phone pinged.
Well my dream woman finally admitted her attraction to me but I can't see her for close to four months so my week was both heaven and hell. How're you doing?
I blushed reading his message. There was no way I could be his dream girl, not the same Emmett Cullen who's last girlfriend was a bombshell model and attending multiple charity functions year round. The same Emmett Cullen who was a business mogul, was nearly drafted into the NFL, and looked like, well, Emmett Cullen. Yet here I was, plain old Bella Swan, blushing over flirty messages from that very man. Still blushing, I typed up a reply.
That sounds complicated…I'm good, finally settled on an apartment. Alice and Kate decorating now, they've kicked me out until further notice.
I noticed another message from Kate came in around the time I'd sent mine off to Emmett telling me it was time to come see my new place. I'd been sitting in a café around the corner for the past half hour, so I got up, tossed my coffee cup in the trash, headed over to my place.
Walking into the building felt relaxing, almost freeing as if living here was the new beginning in my life that I needed. I walked over to the elevators pressed the button, looking down at my phone while I waited.
Glad you found something. Would I be able to schedule a tour of said apartment tonight?
I checked the time, it was only six o'clock, so technically I had plenty of time to hangout with Kate and Alice before potentially giving Emmett a tour.
I think a tour could be arranged after the grand opening after party dies down…
I got into the elevator and pressed the button for the seventh floor, phone pinging already by the time I'd reach the fifth.
And who else will be at this exclusive after party?
Hmmm. Was Emmett Cullen jealous? I decided to have a little fun as the elevator doors opened and sent off a quick response before knocking.
Depends on who's around, you did after all present me with a challenge…
Stashing my phone into my pocket, I knocked on my door, after a couple seconds it flew open to reveal Kate and Alice both with wide grins on their faces.
"Bellaaaaaa! Come in, come take in your new place, tell us what your think!" Alice babbled away guiding me in through the front entrance towards the kitchen. I gasped taking everything in, they'd really gone all out. My hand flew up to cover my mouth in shock while my eyes watered a little.
"Oh you guys, it's amazing I don't think I could ever—" I was interrupted by two pairs of arms wrapping tightly around me.
"Oh shut up Bellzy, you more than deserve it so just do us a favour and enjoy your new home!" Kate scolded.
They proceeded to show off different areas of my apartment. The balcony had a big cushiony chair and a little table for two. The living room had a large fluffy black couch with colourful accented pillows, a large TV from mine and Edward's place, and a glass top coffee table with storage drawers. There were various colourful prints and pictures of my friends and family hung up on the walls adding pops of colour everywhere. The guest room was nice too with a blue-grey colour scheme and a good-sized dresser and bedframe also from my old place. The main bathroom had some nice hand soaps and towels already laid out; all the essentials stocked.
Lastly, Alice and Kate grinned before giddily tugging me over to the last room: my master bedroom. I gasped when they opened the door to reveal a four-post king sized bed with a fluffy dark blue duvet and matching pillows with swirling patterns stitched into the fabric. There was a beautiful antique armoire in the corner which Alice swore she got a deal on at the pawn shop, and a big dresser beside it. They'd also gone ahead and stocked up my private bathroom with soaps, bath bombs, face masks, really any self care girly product you can think of, making me resist the urge to roll my eyes. Then I glanced at Alice, and I knew there was a catch.
"OK, Ali, what is it? Where's the fire?" I crossed my arms and looked at her expectantly. Kate frowned and glanced at our shorter friend too so I knew she wasn't in on whatever it was. Alice pursed her lips, annoyed at being caught.
"Well…I just figured a fresh start meant fresh clothes so I picked up just a teeny tiny little itty bit of items from the mall. Hey! Don't give me that look, this is a new chapter and new chapters call for a shopping spree which you told me to do for you. So you're welcome, and yes you have to keep the lingerie I already ripped all the tags off so too bad." She stuck her tongue out at me then stocked off to the kitchen.
My head hug back as I sighed and followed her, grabbing a wine glass and extending it out to her as she finished pouring a glass for herself. Kate got in on the action and soon enough we were all sprawled out on my new couch, talking and giggling away about all the adventures we'd have. After a couple hours, they both decided to call it quits; they both had to drive home and two glasses of cheap wine were more than enough. I said my tearful goodbyes, once again droning on about how grateful I was before closing and locking the door behind them after they left. Smiling as I looked around at my new place, I gave it a self-guided tour, excited to now call this new place home.
I decided to check my phone, only to realize it wasn't in my pocket anymore. I ran around the apartment checking the different rooms before I remembered the couch. I found it wedged between two cushions and when I pulled it out, I saw I had three missed calls. From Emmett. He'd sent one text and it just said.
Call.
I gulped a little and took the coward's way out deciding to send a text back.
Sorry, got a little caught up. The girls did an amazing job with the apartment.
Not a minute after I'd sent my message off, my phone started ringing, with a video chat. Shit do I look bad? Wait, who cares, Emmett's seen you look worse anyways. I took a big gulp of wine then hit answer. Deep blue eyes and strong features filled up my screen, making my stomach clench.
"Bella" he breathed, eyes scanning over my face which was no doubt flushed from the wine and the unexpected call.
"He—hey Emmett. Watsup?" I asked hastily. I could see his smirk clearly through the high quality video feed on my cell phone, making my heart beat a little faster.
"Well I was hoping to get that tour," he started, "and to make sure there wasn't anyone…interesting over there." Now with Edward, he never really got jealous. He had his limit of things he didn't like me to do on my own for safety reasons of whatever, but in general he never seemed bothered or threatened by anyone else. It seemed his older brother was a lot more protective of the things or people he cared for, and it definitely wasn't a turn off.
"Why Emmett Cullen, could that be a hint of jealousy I detect in your tone?" Deciding to call him out on it felt like fair turnabout.
"Yes. I don't like to share, and since I can't be there to stake my claim, I felt checking in would at least crash any kind of conversation you could be having." He had the audacity to wink at me.
I laughed back. "Alright, Mr. Smooth, all you were interrupting was a girl and her glass of wine. Alice and Kate left about half an hour ago and I've been soaking in my new place all night." I gave him a salute by raising my wine glass before taking another sip.
"Well then, let's see it" I heard some shuffling like he was getting comfortable before the camera angle changed and I could see he was at his office in a big leather chair with the edges of a wooden desk showing. I couldn't stop the thoughts that raced through my mind about R rated office visits after hours…maybe even during office hours…
"Bellaaaaaa" his voice and low laughter snapped me out of my daydreams. "There you are, come on now, get on with that tour." He smirked knowingly and I rolled my eyes then flipped my camera and started walking around my new place. Emmett oohed and aahed at all the right times, commenting on the balcony furniture, and how spacious the couch and shower were. I could've sworn I heard a low groan come through the phone when my camera panned over to my bed, but the wine was also causing a dull ringing in my ears so I couldn't be sure.
About five minutes later I was flopping back onto my couch with a big stretch and a yawn.
"Well, Emmett, I think it may be time for this old gal to pass out in her new, giant bed. And it's definitely time you left that office and went home to rest." I raised a brow at him, a silent reprimand.
With a smug smile he raised both hands in surrender, "yeah, yeah I'm going Bell. Don't you get all worried about me. Have a good night and enjoy that sick place you got okay? Goodnight."
I smiled back lazily and answered, "Night" before hanging up and getting ready for bed.
As I slid into my new covers, I thought back to what he'd said a week ago about four months, which also a week after he'd left. So that meant it'd ben two weeks since he left so I had roughly eight weeks to go before I'd get to see him in person. Time will fly, Bella just have fun and be a free unattached chick for a little while. Regardless, I still dreamt of the same arms and eyes once I fell asleep.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Bella's finally getting her fresh start! R&R